Lighting system, power supply device, lighting appliance, mapping method, and program

Abstract

A lighting system (10) has a plurality of lighting fixtures (12) and a terminal device (40) that controls the plurality of lighting fixtures (12), wherein the plurality of lighting fixtures (12) each transmit identification information and acquired information to the terminal device (40), and the terminal device (40) classifies the plurality of lighting fixtures (12) based on the information acquired by the plurality of lighting fixtures (12) respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lighting system, power supply device, lighting fixture, mapping method, and procedure. Background Technology

[0002] When lighting fixtures, which are activated and deactivated by multiple control signals, are first installed in locations such as the ceiling of a building, the relationship between the individual identification information of each fixture and the location information indicating its position is unclear, making it impossible to control the lighting of each fixture. Therefore, a terminal device is used to perform the task of associating the identification information and location information of multiple lighting fixtures, i.e., mapping.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a lighting system that includes multiple lighting fixtures and a setting device capable of indicating and adjusting the dimming level of the multiple lighting fixtures.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-103372 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] In conventional lighting systems using terminal devices for mapping, when an operator selects the identification information of a lighting fixture displayed on the terminal device's screen, the fixture corresponding to the selected identification information flashes. The operator then moves to the vicinity of the flashing fixture. Next, the operator confirms the location of the fixture and touches the corresponding mark on the fixture's layout diagram, thus associating the identification information with the location information. In a large office with many lighting fixtures, this process of confirming and operating the fixtures takes time. Furthermore, in large-scale lighting systems installed in commercial facilities with stairwells, such as shopping malls, when using wireless signals to acquire identification information from lighting fixtures, the terminal device sometimes acquires identification information from fixtures located on different floors, requiring time to confirm whether the fixture being mapped is the one on the current floor.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lighting system, power supply, lighting fixture, mapping method, and procedure that can shorten the operation time when mapping multiple lighting fixtures using a terminal device.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] As one aspect of this disclosure, a lighting system includes multiple lighting fixtures and a terminal device for controlling the multiple lighting fixtures. Each of the multiple lighting fixtures sends identification information and acquired information to the terminal device, and the terminal device classifies the multiple lighting fixtures based on the information acquired by each of the multiple lighting fixtures.

[0012] As one aspect of this disclosure, a power supply device is assembled into a lighting fixture within the lighting system of this disclosure. The power supply device includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a measurement unit. Based on a predetermined operation or action, the measurement unit measures information, and when a predetermined test is performed, the information measured by the measurement unit is stored in the storage unit.

[0013] As one aspect of this disclosure, a lighting appliance is a lighting appliance that includes the power supply device of this disclosure.

[0014] As one aspect of this disclosure, the mapping method is a mapping method for a lighting system, used to associate the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures with the location information of the multiple lighting fixtures in the lighting system of this disclosure. In the mapping method, each of the multiple lighting fixtures sends identification information and acquired information to a terminal device. The terminal device displays the identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures in a classified manner based on the information acquired by each of the multiple lighting fixtures. The user operates the terminal device to associate the identification information of the lighting fixtures displayed on the terminal device with the marks indicating the installation location of the lighting fixtures.

[0015] As one aspect of this disclosure, a program can be read into a terminal device within the lighting system disclosed herein. This program is used to cause the terminal device to perform a classification of multiple lighting fixtures based on information acquired by each of the multiple lighting fixtures.

[0016] The effects of the invention

[0017] According to the lighting system, power supply device, lighting fixture, mapping method, and procedure disclosed herein, the operation time for mapping multiple lighting fixtures using a terminal device can be shortened. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration and wiring status of multiple lighting fixtures in a room in an example of a lighting system implemented in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram showing the structure of the lighting fixtures and terminal devices.

[0021] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating the mapping method of the lighting system in the implementation.

[0022] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the screen after the mapping program in the operation display section of the terminal device in the embodiment has just started.

[0023] Figure 4C It is shown in Figure 4B The image shown is the screen displayed when the configuration diagram is read by pressing the configuration diagram button.

[0024] Figure 5A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the energizing time and the number of lighting fixtures obtained when the energizing times of multiple switches are different in an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5B This is another example of the relationship between the energizing time and the number of lighting fixtures obtained in an embodiment where the energizing time of multiple switches is different.

[0026] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 4C The diagram shows the correspondence between the grouped identification information of lighting fixtures displayed on the screen after pressing the lighting fixture reading button and the power-on time and quantity of the lighting fixtures.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the terminal device receives information from multiple lighting fixtures categorized into different layers via a lighting control controller in an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a lighting system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the number of times a portion of the lighting fixtures is powered on and the corresponding power-on time in a lighting system according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the lighting system according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following embodiments, the same structures in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0031] The main body of the system disclosed herein includes a computer. This computer executes a program to implement the functions of the main body of the system. The computer has a processor as its main hardware structure, capable of operating according to the program. The processor need only be able to perform the aforementioned functions by executing the program, regardless of its type. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Multiple electronic circuits can be integrated onto a single chip or disposed across multiple chips. Multiple chips can be aggregated into a single device or disposed across multiple devices. Furthermore, the program is stored on a non-temporary storage medium such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program can be pre-saved in the storage medium or supplied to the storage medium via a wide area communication network, including the Internet.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting system 10. The lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 12, a lighting control controller 30 that is communicatively connected to the lighting fixtures 12, and a terminal device 40 for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures 12.

[0033] The number of lighting fixtures 12 in the lighting system 10 is not particularly limited. Each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 may be, for example, a ceiling light. The lighting fixtures 12 may also be other types such as downlights or spotlights.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration and wiring status of multiple lighting fixtures 12 within the room 100 of the lighting system 10. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, multiple lighting fixtures 12 are arranged and installed on the ceiling of a room 100. Figure 2 In the middle, multiple lighting fixtures 12 are arranged along the horizontal direction ( Figure 2 There are approximately 5 columns arranged roughly evenly in the left and right directions, with each column arranged along the vertical direction ( Figure 2 Five lighting fixtures are arranged approximately evenly in the vertical direction. One end of the horizontal direction of the five rows of lighting fixtures 12 (…) Figure 2 The lighting fixtures 12 in the first and second columns (at the left end) are connected by a first wire 31. One end of the first wire 31 is connected to a first switch S1 and a circuit breaker 35. Figure 1 And with external AC power supply 37 ( Figure 1 The lighting fixtures 12 in the third and fourth columns of the middle section of the transverse direction are connected in series via a second wire 32. One end of the second wire 32 is connected to an external AC power supply 37 via a second switch S2 and a circuit breaker 35. The other end of the transverse direction ( Figure 2The lighting fixtures 12 in the 5th column (right end) are connected via a third wire 33. One end of the third wire 33 is connected to an external AC power supply 37 via a third switch S3 and a circuit breaker 35. Thus, the lighting fixtures 12 in the 1st and 2nd columns, the 3rd and 4th columns, and the 5th column can be independently switched on and off using the corresponding switches S1, S2, and S3. Each lighting fixture 12 is connected to the lighting control controller 30 wirelessly. The lighting control controller 30 is also connected to the terminal device 40 wirelessly. The first switch S1, the second switch S2, and the third switch S3 are sometimes collectively referred to as switches.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In this diagram, L1, L2...L25 represent the identification information (ID) of each lighting fixture 12. The identification information can be any information that enables each lighting fixture 12 to be identified relative to other lighting fixtures 12. For example, the identification information could be a MAC address (Media Access Control address), barcode information, RF (radio frequency) tag, product number information, IP address, or manufacturing number, etc.

[0036] A lighting control controller 30 is configured in the same room as multiple lighting fixtures 12. The lighting control controller 30 obtains mapping information of the lighting fixtures 12 from a terminal device 40, that is, information associating the identification information and location information of the lighting fixtures 12, and controls the lighting of the lighting fixtures 12 after pairing with them is complete. The lighting control controller 30 can be a remote control with an operating section that allows the user to operate the lighting. The lighting control controller 30 wirelessly controls the lighting fixtures 12 via control signals from the terminal device 40 and internally stored scheduling functions.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the lighting fixture 12 and the terminal device 40. Each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 includes a power supply unit 13 and a light source unit 20. The power supply unit 13 has a power conversion unit 14, a communication unit 15, a control unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a measurement unit 18, and is assembled into the lighting fixture 12. The power conversion unit 14 converts AC power supplied from an external AC power source 37 into DC power, and adjusts the voltage based on the control signal from the control unit 16 (described later) before outputting it to the light source unit 20 (described later).

[0038] The communication unit 15 is an interface for wireless communication between the lighting fixture 12 and the lighting control controller 30. The communication unit 15 includes a wireless transmission and reception unit.

[0039] The control unit 16 controls the communication unit 15 and the power conversion unit 14. Based on operation signals received from the terminal device 40 via the lighting control controller 30 and the communication unit 15, the control unit 16 transmits information stored in the storage unit 17 (described later) to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 15 and the lighting control controller 30. The control unit 16, for example, has a CPU and performs computational processing using a program stored in the storage unit 17. Furthermore, the control unit 16 transmits identification information and information measured and acquired by the measurement unit 18 (described later) to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 15.

[0040] The storage unit 17 is implemented using ROM such as EEPROM, RAM, HDD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 17 has the function of storing received operation signals and information acquired by the measurement unit 18, which will be described later.

[0041] The measuring unit 18 measures information based on a prescribed operation or a prescribed action. When the measuring unit 18 is subjected to a prescribed test, the information measured by the measuring unit 18 is stored in the storage unit 17. The "prescribed operation" is, for example, the operation of turning a switch on or off. The "information" is, for example, any one of the following: the power-on time of the lighting fixture 12, the power-off time, the number of zero-crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is turned on or off. In addition, as explained in another example of the embodiment described later, the "information" may also be any combination of two or more of the following: the power-on time of the lighting fixture 12, the power-off time, the number of zero-crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is turned on or off, or information obtained by adding time sequence information to the combination. The "power-on time" is the time from when the power supply device 13 turns on the power until the power is turned off. The "power-off time" is the time when the power supply device 13 is in the power-on state and the power is quickly switched from off to on within a prescribed time (e.g., within 2 seconds). The switching of the power from off to on is sometimes referred to as "off-on operation" below. "Prescribed detection" is, for example, a power-off detection. For instance, when the power supply unit 13 detects a power-off, it stores the information measured by the measuring unit 18 in the storage unit 17. The number of times the power is switched on or off can also be measured by a counter inside the measuring unit 18. The number of times the power is switched on or off can be defined as the "number of times the power supply unit 13 is switched on within a short, predetermined time," or as the "number of times the power is switched off within a short time." Alternatively, the measuring unit 16 can measure information such as time and frequency instead of the measuring unit 18. During a short-term on / off operation of the lighting fixture 12, the output of the power conversion unit 14 of the power supply unit 13 stops, thereby extinguishing the light source 20, but the power supply to the control unit 16, etc., is maintained for, for example, about 10 seconds, causing the control unit 16 to operate. The input voltage detection unit of the power supply unit 13 is not shown.

[0042] As a prescribed action for the measurement unit 18 to begin measuring information, the following actions are performed, for example. First, as a power-on action, the input voltage of the power supply device 13 is detected by the circuit, and when the power is cut off approximately a few seconds later, the control unit 16 is activated by the control power supply. For example, this action is performed by quickly switching the power supply on (within approximately 2 seconds) while the power supply device 13 is energized. Alternatively, this action can be performed by repeatedly performing the quick switching the power supply on (within approximately 2 seconds) three times while the power supply device 13 is energized.

[0043] The storage unit 17 can also be set to an initial state where there is no data when the power is turned on. The action used to set the storage unit 17 to the initial state can also be set to receive a specific signal by the communication unit 15 or to repeatedly perform a quick power-off operation (within about 2 seconds) 5 times.

[0044] In addition, as a prescribed operation of the communication unit 15, the measurement unit 18 may begin measuring information when the communication unit 15 receives a specific signal.

[0045] Furthermore, as a pre-defined action of the control unit 16, the power supply can be temporarily cut off after the aforementioned power-on action, and when the power is turned on again after a sufficient period of time (e.g., several tens of seconds), the measurement mode can be activated, thereby enabling the measurement unit 18 to begin measuring information.

[0046] The power supply device 13 may also have the following structure: when a series of actions of supplying power from the outside to the control unit 16 and cutting off power supply are performed more than once through a prescribed operation, information such as the power-on time, power-off time, number of zero-crossing times of the input voltage, and number of times the power is turned on or off is stored as information in the storage unit 17.

[0047] The light source unit 20 emits illumination light when supplied with electricity. For example, the light source unit 20 is an LED, fluorescent lamp, halogen lamp, etc.

[0048] The terminal device 40 and the lighting control controller 30, and the lighting control controller 30 and the lighting fixture 12, are connected by wireless communication methods such as specific low-power wireless communication using frequencies of 920MHz or 2.4GHz, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

[0049] The terminal device 40 is, for example, a tablet PC or smartphone with signal transmission and reception capabilities and a display screen. The terminal device 40 is a mapping setter, which associates the identification information of each lighting fixture 12 with its location information within the room. The lighting fixtures 12 are mapped and paired with the lighting control controller 30, thereby enabling the lighting control controller 30 to control the illumination of the lighting fixtures 12.

[0050] The terminal device 40 includes an operation display unit 41, a communication unit 42, a control unit 43, and a storage unit 44. The operation display unit 41 is equivalent to a display unit. For example, the terminal device 40 has a touch panel screen as a display screen for the operation display unit 41. The operation display unit 41 has the function of accepting user operations as an input unit, and the function of displaying marks indicating the installation positions of multiple lighting fixtures 12 and identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures 12. When the operation display unit 41 is operated so that the identification information of the lighting fixtures 12 displayed on the terminal device 40 is associated with the marks, the control unit 43 stores the association between the identification information and the position information of the lighting fixtures 12 represented by the marks in the storage unit 44. The terminal device may also be configured to have a display unit and an operation unit independently.

[0051] The communication unit 42 is an interface for the terminal device 40 to wirelessly communicate with the lighting fixture 12 via the lighting control controller 30.

[0052] The control unit 43 has the functions of controlling the communication unit 42 and controlling the display status of the operation display unit 41. The control unit 43 may include a CPU, which performs arithmetic processing through a program stored in the storage unit 44.

[0053] The storage unit 44 is implemented using ROM, RAM, HDD, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 44 stores the application program used to operate the control unit 43. By having the control unit 43 execute the mapping program, which is the application program, the user can cause the operation display unit 41 to display a screen for mapping the lighting fixtures 12. The mapping program can be read into the terminal device 40, which then executes it to classify and display the multiple lighting fixtures 12 on the operation display unit 41 based on information acquired by each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12. When the mapping program is executed, the terminal device 40 displays a configuration diagram of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 and identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 on the operation display unit 41.

[0054] Next, the mapping method of the lighting system 10 will be explained. Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating the mapping method of the lighting system 10. First, in step S10, the mapping operator, equivalent to the user, initiates the mapping procedure in the terminal device 40. Figure 4BThe screen shown is the result of the mapping program being started in the operation display unit 41 of the terminal device 40. This screen is divided into a first display pre-planning unit 41a showing the configuration diagram of the lighting fixtures 12 and a second display pre-planning unit 41b showing the identification information of the lighting fixtures 12. A configuration diagram reading button 41c and a lighting fixture reading button 41d are displayed at the bottom. The text "List of Lighting Fixtures" is displayed in the second display pre-planning unit 41b. In step S10, when the operator presses the configuration diagram reading button 41c on this screen, a configuration diagram of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 is displayed in the first display pre-planning unit 41a.

[0055] Figure 4C Shown in Figure 4B The screen displayed is triggered by pressing the configuration diagram reading button 41c. At this time, the terminal device 40 reads a pre-created configuration diagram of the lighting fixtures 12 for the room and area to be configured, and displays this configuration diagram in the first display pre-determining unit 41a. Figure 4C In the configuration diagram, lighting fixture 12 is represented by the symbol M. Figure 4C In this diagram, the symbol M is set as a rectangle, but it can also be set as a circle or other shapes. The configuration diagram corresponds to the diagram obtained from above showing multiple lighting fixtures 12 installed in the room. The symbol M can also be a symbol, text, or pictographic text. Figure 4C In the example shown, such as Figure 2 Thus, the marking M of the lighting fixture 12 is arranged in 5 columns both longitudinally and laterally. Then, in Figure 4A In step S12, the terminal device 40 sends a signal to the lighting control controller 30 to request the identification information (ID) of the lighting fixture 12. The lighting control controller 30 sends a signal to all lighting fixtures 12 to request the identification information. Specifically, in Figure 4C In the video, the operator presses the lighting fixture reading button 41d, thereby... Figure 4A The actions are performed in steps S12 to S22.

[0056] Therefore, in step S14, the multiple lighting fixtures 12 send identification information to the lighting control controller 30, and the lighting control controller 30 sends identification information to the terminal device 40. In step S16, the terminal device 40 sends a signal to the lighting control controller 30 requesting stored information in response to the acquired identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures 12. The lighting control controller 30 sends signals to the multiple lighting fixtures 12 with corresponding identification information to request the transmission of information.

[0057] Therefore, in step S18, the multiple lighting fixtures 12 send the acquired information to the lighting control controller 30, and the lighting control controller 30 sends the information to the terminal device 40. At this time, Figure 1Each of the switches S1, S2, and S3 shown is pre-activated by an operator corresponding to a user, and then disconnected at different arbitrary times (energization times). The activation and deactivation of switches S1, S2, and S3 correspond to a predetermined operation.

[0058] Table 1 shows an example of the energizing time of switches S1, S2, and S3. The energizing times of switches S1, S2, and S3 are different for each other.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] switch Power-on time (seconds) S1 5 S2 8 S3 12

[0061] Table 2 shows an example of the relationship between the identification information (ID) of each lighting fixture 12 and the power-on time.

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] ID Power-on time (seconds) L1 4.95 L2 5.01 L3 5.1 L4 4.99 L5 5.05 … … L11 8.03 L12 8.06 … … L21 12.01 L22 11.98 … … L25 12.03

[0064] As shown in Table 2, the energizing time of switches S1, S2, and S3 is sometimes slightly different from the energizing time of multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to the same switches S1, S2, and S3. This is because, for example, the timing of current input and current cut-off may deviate between multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to the same switch due to the influence of internal capacitors, etc.

[0065] Based on the aforementioned prescribed operation, each lighting fixture 12 has its on-time measured by the measuring unit 18 as information, for example, the duration of power-on. During the aforementioned prescribed testing, the on-time measured by the measuring unit 18 is stored in the storage unit 17. Each lighting fixture 12 then sends the acquired on-time to the terminal device 40.

[0066] Back Figure 4A In step S20, the terminal device 40 executes an application to classify the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 12 based on the information obtained from the lighting fixtures 12. Figure 5A This illustrates an example of the relationship between the energizing time and the number of lighting fixtures 12 obtained when the energizing times of multiple switches S1, S2, and S3 are different in an embodiment. Figure 5A In the example shown, the distribution of the number of elements (number of lighting fixtures) of multiple groups 1 to 3 in the lighting fixtures 12 corresponding to multiple switches S1, S2, S3 is separate and not mixed.

[0067] on the other hand, Figure 5B This illustrates another example of the relationship between the energizing time and the number of lighting fixtures 12 obtained when the energizing times of multiple switches S1, S2, and S3 are different in an embodiment. For example... Figure 5BTherefore, we also consider the case where the distribution of the number of elements in multiple groups 1 to 3 of the lighting fixtures 12 corresponding to multiple switches S1, S2, and S3 is partially mixed. Below, firstly, let's consider... Figure 5A The situation will be explained.

[0068] like Figure 5A In this way, the terminal device 40 classifies the lighting fixtures 12 into multiple groups 1 to 3 based on their power-on time. At this time, the terminal device 40 executes an application program to associate the acquired identification information of the lighting fixtures 12 with the power-on time, which is information acquired from the lighting fixtures 12. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 sorts the acquired power-on times in ascending order, rearranging the acquired power-on times from minimum to maximum value, incrementing the group number (as the interval number) from 1, and calculating the number of elements in each group. For example... Figure 5A Therefore, when there is a distribution of energizing time, and elements are separated according to the energizing time when the element count becomes 0, the lighting fixtures 12 are divided into groups based on the separated energizing time. If the elements are not separated, they are set as one group.

[0069] Next, as Figure 4A As shown in step S22, the terminal device 40 displays the classified identification information and the configuration diagram of the lighting fixture 12 indicating the location information of the lighting fixture 12 on the operation display unit 41. Figure 6 Shown in Figure 4C The correspondence between the identification information L1 to L25 of the grouped lighting fixtures 12 displayed on the screen when the lighting fixture reading button 41d is pressed and the relationship between the power-on time and quantity of the lighting fixtures 12.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the middle, the right side shows the screen of the operation display unit 41 of the terminal device 40, and the left side shows the screen of the terminal device 40. Figure 5A The relationship between the same power-on time and the number of lighting fixtures 12. This is determined by pressing the lighting fixture reading button 41d. Figure 6 The second display section 41b in the screen displays the classified identification information L1 to L25 of the lighting fixture 12. In the identification information L1 to L25, the group with the shortest energizing time is group 1, the group with the longest energizing time is group 3, and the group with the intermediate energizing time is group 2. Groups 1 to 3 are arranged in a predetermined direction (…). Figure 6 The information is separated into vertical and horizontal sections and displayed with group numbers. In the second display pre-set section 41b, the identification information can also be displayed in address order for each group 1 to group 3.

[0071] Then, as Figure 4AAs shown in step S24, the operator operates the terminal device 40, causing the identification information L1 to L25 of the lighting fixtures 12 displayed on the terminal device 40 to be associated with the symbols M in the configuration diagram of the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. For example, one of the plurality of identification information is selected. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the operator touches and selects the identification information L3 of group 1 with their finger. Consequently, a flashing command signal from the terminal device 40 is sent via the lighting control controller 30 to the lighting fixture 12 corresponding to the selected identification information L3, causing the lighting fixture 12 to flash. The operator visually confirms the position of the flashing lighting fixture 12, identifying which of the multiple marks M corresponds to the lighting fixture 12 corresponding to the identification information L3, thus determining the actual position of the lighting fixture 12. Next, the operator selects the mark M by touching the mark M corresponding to the flashing lighting fixture 12. Alternatively, the operator can touch the identification information L3 and drag it to the mark M corresponding to the flashing lighting fixture 12 before releasing it, thereby selecting the mark M. This establishes a mapping between the identification information and position information of the lighting fixture 12. Whenever the selection of mark M ends in the terminal device 40, an extinguishing command signal is sent from the terminal device 40 to the lighting fixture 12 corresponding to mark M, causing the flashing of the lighting fixture 12 to stop. In the terminal device 40, the identification information of the lighting fixture 12, which has completed the association between the identification information and the location information, is deleted from the display of the lighting fixture list in the second display pre-determined section 41b of the screen of the operation display unit 41.

[0072] Furthermore, based on the association operation performed by the user using the terminal device 40, the association between the identification information and location information of the lighting fixture 12 is stored in the storage unit 44, and this association information is sent to the lighting control controller 30. This mapping operation is performed on all the identification information displayed on the operation display unit 41. After the mapping operation for all identification information is completed and the pairing with the lighting fixture 12 is finished, the lighting control controller 30 can perform lighting control on multiple lighting fixtures 12. Alternatively, the selection operation of the lighting fixture 12 performed by the terminal device 40 can be used to set independent control of each lighting fixture 12, such as turning it on, turning it off, and dimming it.

[0073] The following situations were explained above: Figure 5A As shown in the example, the identification information is classified when the distribution of multiple groups of lighting fixtures 12 corresponding to multiple switches S1, S2, S3 is separate and without mixing. On the other hand, as... Figure 5BAs shown in the example, when the distribution of multiple groups of lighting fixtures 12 corresponding to multiple switches S1, S2, and S3 is partially mixed, some lighting fixtures 12 can be repeatedly grouped into multiple groups. In this case, the following structure can also be used: Figure 4A In step S24, when the identification information and mark of the duplicate lighting fixture 12 are associated in one of the multiple groups to which the duplicate lighting fixture 12 belongs, the terminal device 40 deletes the identification information of the duplicate lighting fixture 12 from the display of other groups. Thus, after the association of the duplicate lighting fixture 12 is performed once, no further association requests are made. Alternatively, the number of switches connected to each group of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 can be input to the terminal device 40, and the terminal device 40 can group the distribution of the groups into a number of groups corresponding to the input number. If no information is obtained for the lighting fixture 12, the terminal device 40 groups them together for display.

[0074] Based on the aforementioned lighting system 10, power supply device 13, mapping method, and procedure, the operation time for mapping multiple lighting fixtures 12 using the terminal device 40 can be shortened. Specifically, in the terminal device 40, the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to the same switch is grouped and displayed based on information from the lighting fixtures 12. At this time, the probability that multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to the same switch are arranged close together is high. Therefore, the identification information of the same group corresponds to multiple lighting fixtures 12 in close proximity. Thus, in the terminal device 40, when selecting identification information of the same group, multiple lighting fixtures 12 in close proximity are flashed to determine their positions, thereby shortening the mapping operation time. For example, if the lighting fixtures 12 in group 1 are connected via the same first switch as identification information L3, then after associating identification information L3, when the operator associates the markings of other lighting fixtures 12 in group 1, they only need to identify the flashing lighting fixtures 12 near the lighting fixture 12 with identification information L3. Therefore, the mapping operation can be performed efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, in cases where the lighting system 10 is installed in a commercial facility with stairwells, such as a shopping mall, and the terminal device 40 uses wireless signals to obtain identification information from the lighting fixtures 12, consider the case where the identification information from the lighting fixtures 12 installed on different floors is obtained by the terminal device 40.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the terminal device 40 receives information from multiple lighting fixtures 12 distributed across different layers via a lighting control controller 30 in an embodiment. For example... Figure 7As in the example, sometimes identification information from lighting fixtures 12 on a different floor than the floor where worker W is located is obtained by the terminal device 40 via the lighting control controller 30 located on that floor. In this case, the terminal device 40 also displays identification information that is not needed at the current time.

[0077] In this example, even in this case, the terminal device 40 can display the nearby lighting fixtures 12 connected by the same switch on the same layer in a grouped manner based on the information obtained from the lighting fixtures 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to spend time confirming whether it is a lighting fixture 12 that needs to be mapped on the current layer, and the operation time in the case of mapping can be shortened.

[0078] Furthermore, in this example, when the identification information of the lighting fixture 12 is selected in the terminal device 40, the lighting fixture 12 is made to flash. However, it is not limited to this. Alternatively, by changing the dimming function to make the lighting fixture 12 dimmer or brighter, it can be distinguished from other lighting fixtures 12.

[0079] In addition, as the information measured by the measuring unit 18, the above describes the case where the identification information of the lighting fixture 12 is classified according to the power-on time. However, the identification information of the lighting fixture 12 can also be classified using any one of the power-off time of the lighting fixture 12, the number of zero-crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is turned on or off.

[0080] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates the case where the terminal device 40 communicates with multiple lighting fixtures 12 via the lighting control controller 30, the terminal device 40 may also be configured to communicate directly with multiple lighting fixtures 12 via wireless signals without going through the lighting control controller 30.

[0081] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a lighting system 10a according to an embodiment. In this example, with Figures 1-6 The lighting control controller 30, with its different structures, is connected to multiple lighting fixtures 12 via wired first control line 50, second control line 51, and third control line 52. Identification information for each lighting fixture 12 is shown inside the rectangle representing the fixture 12. Identification information L1, L2, L6, L7, L11, and L12 are connected via the first control line 50. Identification information L3, L4, L8, L9, L13, and L14 are connected via the second control line 51. Identification information L5, L10, and L15 are connected via the third control line 52.

[0082] By executing the mapping program of the terminal device 40, instruction signals for storing information are sent to multiple lighting fixtures 12 via the lighting control controller 30. As a result, the multiple lighting fixtures 12 store the information in the storage unit 17. Figure 3 Specifically, the lighting control controller 30 sends the same data, such as random 16-bit data representing the same value, to multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to the same control lines 50-52. The lighting control controller 30 also sends different data to multiple lighting fixtures 12 connected to different control lines 50-52. Each lighting fixture 12 stores the sent data as information in the storage unit 17. By executing a mapping procedure, the terminal device 40 sends a signal via the lighting control controller 30 to each of the multiple lighting fixtures 12 requesting data as acquired information. In response, each lighting fixture 12 sends the data stored in the storage unit 17 to the terminal device 40 via the lighting control controller 30.

[0083] For example, as shown in Table 3, consider the case where different data is sent from the lighting control controller 30 to multiple lighting fixtures 12 via the first control line 50 to the third control line 52. The data shown in Table 3 are hexadecimal numbers. In each data, X represents an arbitrary value.

[0084] [Table 3]

[0085] control lines data First control line (①) XX01 Second control line (②) XX02 Third control line (③) XX03

[0086] At this time, as shown in Table 4, the corresponding data is sent to the lighting fixtures 12 that identify the information.

[0087] [Table 4]

[0088]

[0089] In this case, the power supply device 13 of each lighting fixture 12 ( Figure 3 According to the Ministry of Communications, 15 ( Figure 3 The signal containing data from the lighting control controller 30 is received as a specific signal and stored in the storage unit 17. When a command signal is sent from the terminal device 40 to the lighting fixture 12 to request information, the lighting fixture 12 sends the data stored in the storage unit 17 as the obtained information to the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 groups lighting fixtures 12 with the same data into the same group to classify the identification information of multiple lighting fixtures 12, and displays the identification information in a grouped manner on the operation display unit 41. Figure 6 ).

[0090] Based on the structure of this example, from a cost perspective, there is a high probability that the lighting fixtures 12 connected via the same control lines 50-52 will be positioned close together. Therefore, in the terminal device 40, when selecting the same set of identification information, multiple lighting fixtures 12 with similar actual locations are flashed to determine the position, thus shortening the mapping operation time. In this example, other structures and functions are similar to... Figures 1-6 The structures are the same.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the number of times a portion of the lighting fixture 12 is powered on and the corresponding power-on time in a lighting system according to another embodiment. The basic structure of the lighting system in this example is similar to... Figures 1-6 The structures are the same. In this example, the power supply 13 of each lighting fixture 12 is supplied by the measuring unit 18 ( Figure 3 The measurement records the power-on time and the number of power-on / off operations during a short period of time (from power-off to power-on). This data is then stored in the storage unit 17. Figure 3 (in the middle). Regarding this, below, in relation to... Figure 6 The configuration of the lighting fixture 12 will be described similarly. First, the terminal device 40 sends an instruction signal to the lighting fixture 12 requesting the information it has acquired. When this signal is sent, the lighting fixture 12 sends the power-on time and the number of on / off operations (on / off count) stored in the storage unit 17 as the acquired information to the terminal device 40. For example, as shown in Table 5, when an operator operates switches S1 to S3, the lighting fixture 12 connected to each switch S1 to S3 stores the on / off count and power-on time in the storage unit 17. For example, based on the operation of switch S1, the on / off count is set to 1, the power-on time of switch S1 when the power is first turned on is set to 2 seconds, and the power-on time for the next power-on is set to 3 seconds.

[0092] [Table 5]

[0093] switch Disconnection-connection count Power-on time (seconds) S1 1 2，3 S2 2 2，1，2 S3 2 2，3，2

[0094] At this time, the relationship between the number of disconnections and connections of each lighting fixture 12 and the power-on time is as shown in Table 6.

[0095] [Table 6]

[0096] ID Power-on time (seconds) Disconnection-connection count L1 2.1，3.0 1 L2 2.0，3.0 1 L3 1.9，2.9 1 L4 2.0，3.1 1 L5 1.9，2.9 1 … … … L11 2.0，0.9，1.9 2 L12 2.1，1.1，2.0 2 … … … L21 2.0，3.1，1.9 2 L22 1.9，2.9，1.9 2 … … … L25 2.0，3.0，2.1 2

[0097] Then, the terminal device 40 acquires the power-on time and the number of disconnections / on cycles from multiple lighting fixtures 12. First, it classifies the identification information of the lighting fixtures 12 based on the number of disconnections / on cycles. Next, it sorts the acquired power-on times in ascending order based on the same number of disconnections / on cycles, rearranging the acquired power-on times from minimum to maximum value, incrementing the group number (as the interval number) from 1, and calculating the number of elements in each group. At this point, when there is a distribution of information and separation occurs based on the number of elements becoming 0, the lighting fixtures 12 are grouped according to the separated information. If the elements are not separated, they are set as one group. In cases where the distribution of information has multiple overlapping peaks, some lighting fixtures 12 are repeatedly grouped into multiple groups. When the association between the identification information and location information of the repeated lighting fixture 12 ends, the repeated lighting fixture 12 is deleted from the display of another group.

[0098] For example, in the case of Table 6, the number of disconnections and connections for identification information L1 to L10 is 1, and the number of disconnections and connections for identification information L11 to L25 is 2. At this time, the number of disconnections and connections for the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L1 to L10 connected to the first switch S1 is 1, and they are processed as a group with the same distribution of power-on time, so they are designated as group 1.

[0099] In the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L11 to L25 connected to the second switch S2 and the third switch S3, the number of disconnections and connections is always 2, and only one peak is generated in the distribution of the energizing time for the first and third times when the power is turned on. On the other hand, in the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L11 to L25, the distribution of the energizing time for the second time when the power is turned on shows two distributions: one with a peak around 1 second and the other with a peak around 2 seconds. Therefore, lighting fixtures 12 with a second energizing time around 1 second are designated as group 2, and lighting fixtures 12 with a second energizing time around 3 seconds are designated as group 3. Figure 9 The diagram shows the relationship between the number of times the power is switched on and the power-on time for lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L11, L12, L21, L22, and L25. Solid line a1 and one-dot dashed line a2 correspond to identification information L11 and L12, while long dashed line b1, short dashed line b2, and two-dot dashed line b3 correspond to identification information L21, L22, and L25. Figure 9 It can be confirmed that there are two peaks in the distribution of the second power-on time. Therefore, the terminal device 40 can classify multiple lighting fixtures 12 based on the information obtained from the lighting fixtures 12.

[0100] Thus, in this example, the terminal device 40 acquires information obtained by adding time-series information to the combination of the power-on time and the number of times the power was switched on for the lighting fixtures 12, and classifies multiple lighting fixtures 12 based on this information. Therefore, the variety of information acquired by the terminal device 40 increases, thereby improving the accuracy of grouping the lighting fixtures 12 and shortening the mapping operation time. In this example, other structures and functions are similar to... Figures 1-6 The structures are the same.

[0101] In the above structure, it is explained that the information obtained by adding time series information to the combination of the power-on time and the number of times the power is switched on to the lighting fixture 12 by the measuring unit 18 is used as "information". However, it is not limited to this. The "information" mentioned above can also be the information obtained by adding time series information to any two or more of the following: the power-on time of the lighting fixture 12, the non-power-on time, the number of zero crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is switched on or off.

[0102] Next, another example of a lighting system according to the embodiment will be described. The basic structure of the lighting system in this example is similar to... Figures 1-6 The structures are the same.

[0103] In this example, the power supply 13 for each lighting fixture 12 is supplied by the measuring unit 18. Figure 3 The measurement is performed during a short period of time involving disconnection and connection operations, specifically the power-on time for each power-on cycle from the moment the power was disconnected until it was connected. The total power-on time is calculated and stored in storage unit 17. Figure 3 (in the middle). Regarding this, below, in relation to... Figure 6 The configuration of the lighting fixture 12 will be described similarly. First, the terminal device 40 sends an instruction signal to the lighting fixture 12 requesting the information it has acquired. When this signal is sent, the lighting fixture 12 sends the power-on time, number of on / off cycles, and cumulative power-on time stored in the storage unit 17 as the acquired information to the terminal device 40. For example, an operator operates a switch to store the power-on time, number of on / off cycles, and cumulative power-on time for each power-on cycle in the lighting fixture 12 connected to the switch. Table 7 shows an example of the relationship between the power-on time, number of on / off cycles, and cumulative power-on time for each lighting fixture 12.

[0104] [Table 7]

[0105] ID Power-on time (seconds) Disconnection-connection count Total power-on time (seconds) L1 2.1，3.0 1 5.1 L2 2.0，3.0 1 5.0 L3 1.9，2.9 1 4.8 L4 2.0，3.1 1 5.1 L5 1.9，2.9 1 4.8 … … … … L11 2.0，0.9，1.9 2 4.8 L12 2.1，1.1，2.0 2 5.2 … … … … L21 2.0，3.1，1.9 2 7.0 L22 1.9，2.9，1.9 2 6.7 … … … … L25 2.0，3.0，2.1 2 7.1

[0106] Then, the terminal device 40 acquires the power-on time, disconnection-connection count, and cumulative power-on time from multiple lighting fixtures 12. First, it classifies the identification information of the lighting fixtures 12 based on the disconnection-connection count. Next, it sorts the acquired power-on times in ascending order based on the same disconnection-connection count, rearranging the acquired power-on times from minimum to maximum value, incrementing the group number (as interval number) from 1, and calculating the number of elements in each group. At this point, when there is a distribution of information and separation occurs based on the number of elements becoming 0, the lighting fixtures 12 are grouped according to the separation information. If the elements are not separated, they are considered as one group.

[0107] For example, in the case of Table 7, the number of disconnections and connections for identification information L1 to L10 is 1, and the number of disconnections and connections for identification information L11 to L25 is 2. In this case, the number of disconnections and connections for the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L1 to L10 connected to the first switch S1 is 1, and they are processed as a group with the same distribution of power-on time, so they are set as group 1.

[0108] In the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L11 to L25 connected to the second switch S2 and the third switch S3, the number of disconnections and connections is 2. On the other hand, among the lighting fixtures 12 with identification information L11 to L25, there are two distributions in the distribution of cumulative power-on time: one with a peak around 5 seconds, and the other with a peak around 7 seconds. Therefore, lighting fixtures 12 with a cumulative power-on time around 5 seconds are designated as group 2, and lighting fixtures 12 with a cumulative power-on time around 7 seconds are designated as group 3. Thus, the terminal device 40 can classify multiple lighting fixtures 12 based on the information obtained from them.

[0109] Thus, in this example, the terminal device 40 acquires a combination of the power-on time, the number of times the power is switched on, and the cumulative power-on time of the lighting fixtures 12 as information, and classifies multiple lighting fixtures 12 based on this information. Therefore, the variety of information acquired by the terminal device 40 increases, thereby improving the accuracy of grouping the lighting fixtures 12 and shortening the mapping operation time. In this example, there is a presence and use Figure 9 The structures described in Tables 5 and 6 may have reduced accuracy compared to grouping, but the separation process performed by terminal device 40 becomes easier. In this example, other structures and functions are similar to... Figures 1-6 The structures are the same.

[0110] In the above structure, it is explained that the measuring unit 18 measures the combination of the power-on time of the lighting fixture 12, the number of times the power is switched on, and the cumulative power-on time as "information". However, it is not limited to this. The above "information" can also be any combination of two or more of the power-on time of the lighting fixture 12, the non-power-on time, the number of zero-crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is switched on or off.

[0111] According to at least one of the above embodiments, a power supply device assembled into a lighting fixture is disclosed. This power supply device includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a measurement unit. Information is measured by the measurement unit based on a predetermined operation or action, and when a predetermined detection is performed, the information measured by the measurement unit is stored in the storage unit. According to the above power supply device, the operation time when mapping lighting fixtures using a terminal device can be shortened.

[0112] In addition, according to at least one of the above embodiments, a power supply device is also disclosed, in which, when a series of actions of supplying power from the outside to the control unit and cutting off power supply are performed more than once through a predetermined operation, one or more of the following are stored as information in the storage unit: the power-on time of the lighting fixture, the power-off time, the number of zero-crossings of the input voltage, and the number of times the power is turned on or off.

[0113] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0114] 10: Lighting system; 12: Lighting fixture; 13: Power supply unit; 14: Power conversion unit; 15: Communication unit; 16: Control unit; 17: Storage unit; 18: Measurement unit; 20: Light source unit; 30: Lighting control controller; 31: First wire; 32: Second wire; 33: Third wire; 40: Terminal device; 41: Operation display unit; 42: Communication unit; 43: Control unit; 44: Storage unit; 50: First control line; 51: Second control line; 52: Third control line; 100: Room.

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures and a terminal device for controlling the plurality of lighting fixtures, wherein, Each of the multiple lighting fixtures sends identification information and information based on data sent from the lighting control controller to the terminal device. Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures has a power supply unit and a light source unit, and is connected to the lighting control controller via any one of a plurality of wired control lines. The power supply unit outputs DC power based on AC power supplied from an external AC power source to the light source unit. The multiple control lines are connected to the multiple lighting fixtures. The plurality of lighting fixtures connected to the different control lines are different from each other. The lighting control controller sends the same data to multiple lighting fixtures connected to the same control line among the multiple control lines, and sends different data to multiple lighting fixtures connected to different control lines among the multiple control lines. The power supply device includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit. It stores the data sent from the lighting control controller as information in the storage unit and sends the data stored in the storage unit to the terminal device. The terminal device groups multiple lighting fixtures with the same data into the same group based on the information sent from the multiple lighting fixtures, and classifies the multiple lighting fixtures based on the identification information.

2. A mapping method for a lighting system, used to associate the identification information of each of the plurality of lighting fixtures with the location information of the plurality of lighting fixtures in the lighting system according to claim 1, wherein in the mapping method, Each of the plurality of lighting fixtures sends the identification information and the information based on data sent from the lighting control controller to the terminal device. The terminal device groups multiple lighting fixtures with identical data into one group based on the information sent from the multiple lighting fixtures, classifies the multiple lighting fixtures based on the identification information, and displays the identification information of the multiple lighting fixtures in a categorized manner. The user operates the terminal device, causing the identification information of the lighting fixture displayed on the terminal device to be associated with a mark indicating the installation location of the lighting fixture.

3. A program product comprising a program capable of being read into a terminal device in a lighting system according to claim 1, the program being configured to cause the terminal device to perform actions such as grouping multiple lighting fixtures having identical data into a single group based on information sent from the multiple lighting fixtures, and classifying the multiple lighting fixtures based on the identification information.

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